Get into fell running

General Information

Learn how to run efficiently over any terrain, as well as develop map & compass skills so you can plan routes to run suitable for your experience.

These events concentrate on learning techniques to run efficiently over any terrain, as well as develop map & compass skills. As such the running pace is very steady with a lot of stop-start. It's normal to fast-hike the uphills. Friday evening is a bonus run for the travel-legs of around 4-5 miles, low level. Distances on Saturday and Sunday are between 6-10 miles with up to 1200m ascent. The typical 'time on legs' is 2-3 hours on Saturday with 3-4 hours on Sunday.

Learning good practices

The weather had promised to be grim. Instead, the forecast shifted to give us sunshine & views!

Our chosen route would take us over the Moel Eilio ridge. A route that is suitable in most conditions, where, despite the improved forecast, we would still expect to be blasted with high winds. The group were briefed on how to assess the weather as well as how to make decisions on why the route would be suitable for the day. They were given a little test to see how they might choose their kit and we further discussed how to manage our clothing and food whilst on the run.

During the run they were encouraged to work hard on the uphills, each member relishing the challenge and they keenly worked hard to the summit. The reward an amazing view and a little rest in the summit cairn. A great sense of accomplishment could be seen on their faces (well done guys you all did fabulously!).

After a few demonstrations of downhill technique, the remainder of the ridge was a 'revert to childhood' romp on varies steepnesses of slopes. Happy and tired they were allowed to tune-off and enjoy the easy run back to the village for lunch then an afternoon learning the theory of navigation.

Is this for you?

If you don't mind getting muddy, love beautiful scenery & want to broaden your training, then fell running is for you! To get an idea of what you'll experience, have a look at some of our photo journals.

The running sessions are focussed more on teaching you skills, so they are very steady and there is often quite a bit of stop-start. It's normal to hike the big uphills. We have strategies to deal with runners of different paces so don't be concerned if you think you may be too slow... and if you are super fit and worried that you'll be a little frustrated with the pace, we'll recommend how to manage this.

Experience

If you consider yourself a beginner off-road runner or need help with your navigation, then this is for you!

These camps are designed for runners that need help with running over technical terrain, tackling steep uphills and downhills & using a map and compass.

Fitness

As long as you run regularly & can manage 10 miles in a single run then you'll be fine.

The pace is very steady and you won't be expected to run all the hills. However, if you are up for it, you will be pushed at intervals to learn how to apply training principles to improve your running. Don't worry, I'll be kind and we always regroup and recover. At the end of the day, it's about enjoying being out in the mountains.

Aptitude

It helps to have a sense of adventure.

You do need to have an adventurous nature and be prepared to try new things in mountainous environments where the weather can be very challenging. Be open to mud. Lots of mud.

Curiosity

You need to be keen to learn

Learning to navigate, as well as how to stay safe in the mountains, is an important skill and we pack a lot into the weekend - so you need to have a thirst for knowledge & applying it.

Applying navigation skills

Despite another shift in the forecast for the better, our route today would stay fairly low-level.

The morning was spent consolidating what was learnt the afternoon prior after which the group worked together to plot a route around a series of checkpoints. We stopped briefly at Nant Peris to do some getting from 'A' to 'B' exercises as well as find the elusive re-entry, then continued on to Capel Curig to undertake the run.

The group did fabulously, and by taking their time to understand the map and their position at regular intervals, their ability and confidence grew throughout the run. Well done guys, and thanks for being such wonderful fun and working so well together as a group. A lovely weekend of teaching and seeing you all really appreciate the value of being able to apply these skills.

Help for your preparation

We have a strong commitment to giving our clients an experience they would not be able to achieve on their own, while at the same time empowering them with the skills to be able to aspire towards achieving that ability in the future.

In order to achieve that goal, we like to encourage you to start teaching yourself some of the theoretical aspects of off-road running. When you sign up, you'll also get 6 months membership to our academy, where you can access the 'Learn how to navigate' tutorials, as well as other relevant lessons we add over time.

While these events are not 'fitness camps', we also like to provide some support for your training leading up. The fitter you arrive the more you will enjoy it, so we'll give you training prompts to help you arrive in the best condition.

What you receive

We keep our group sizes small so that you get plenty of one-on-one time with your guide. By the end of the weekend, you'll be equipped with the knowledge & skills to start committing to building running into your life in a safe & sustainable way.

Itinerary

Kit requirements

Come & join us Aug 17 - 18, 2019

How to get here & where to stay

We've found that our clients prefer to organise their own accommodation, but it's best to book early. Snowdonia is a popular place.

When you book in we'll send you some links and advice to help you get organised for your trip. Until then, check out our information on places to stay & travel advice. Dol Peris is a great if you are travelling on your own, or check out airbnb for some ideas (we've plugged the event dates in for you in the link below). If you are bringing your family or are coming as part of a group, check out our little cottage just 10mins drive from Llanberis.